Reading time: 3 minute
Key Text:
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope…”
—1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Eternal Life: Our Secure Destination
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, John 11:25
Eternal life is the glorious promise that sustains our faith. We do not live in fear of the future, but with hope in eternity with God. Paul exhorts the believers in Thessalonica not to grieve like those who have no hope. Our sorrow for those who have passed is real, but it is sorrow wrapped in comfort, because we know we will see them again.
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25). In Him, we have the assurance that death is not the end, but the beginning of a glorious eternity with our Savior.
The Promise of Christ’s Return
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
Christ promised to return, and that promise is just as alive and firm today as when it was first given. The return of the Lord is the greatest hope of the Church. We are not awaiting a symbolic event, but a real and glorious encounter: “For the Lord himself, with a loud command… will come down from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first.”
The return of Christ is not just a prophetic promise; it is a source of daily joy. We live in expectation, knowing that at any moment we will see our King face to face.
Security in the Presence of the Lord
1 Thessalonians 4:17–18
Paul concludes by saying: “And so we will always be with the Lord.” What powerful words. This is not just about a future event, but an eternal relationship. We will be with the Lord—in His presence—with no more separation, pain, or death. This is our security.
No matter how unstable this world may be, or how many storms we face, our anchor is firmly set in the eternal hope that Christ has given us. His presence is our refuge now, and will be our fullness for all eternity.
Sincerely,
Pastor Guillermo Ayala